My students and I wrap up our exploration of Australian music this week with the popular rock band INXS.The group first performed as the Farriss Brothers in Sydney, Australia in 1977. Original band members included Michael Hutchence (vocals), Kirk Pengilly (guitar/sax/vocals), Garry Gary Beers (bass), Tim Farriss (guitar), Andrew Farriss (keyboards/ guitar/ percussion/vocals) and Jon Farriss (drums).

Throughout the band's 30 year history,INXS has sold over 30 million records worldwide. They have performed all over the globe, most notably at Wembley Stadium (with the band Queen), the HFS-Tival, the US Festival, the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. INXS has won numerous awards and accolades, including International Live Act Of The Year (1986), Rolling Stone Magazine Awards (1991) and ARIA Hall Of Fame inductees (2001).

The death of singer/songwriter Michael Hutchence in November 1997 was a devastating blow. The band continued to perform with guest artists Terence Trent D'Arby and Jon Stevens, however, it wasn't until 2005 that a new lead singer was found. That year, INXS launched their search with a reality TV show “RockStarINXS.” Out of the 100+ singers who auditioned, INXS chose Canadian JD Fortune as the band's new lead singer.